AUSTRALIA'S building industry has contracted further with a sharp fall in new orders as the investment phase of the mining boom fades.

The contraction in the building sector deepened in February, according to the Australian Industry Group's Performance of Construction index which fell by 4.0 points to 44.2.

A reading below 50 points shows the sector is contracting; the lower the number the faster the contraction. A ready above 50 indicates expansion.

House building continued to expand in February (52.2) and commercial construction experienced strong growth (59.9) but a steep drop in construction linked to the mining industry dragged the entire sector down.

Engineering construction dropped 14.6 points to 39.7 while apartment building contracted for the second month in a row (46.6).

New orders across the industry fell to its lowest reading since July 2013.

This is the second consecutive month of contraction, dashing hopes of a rebound in the industry after strong growth in house building propelled the broader construction sector into its second consecutive month of expansion in December following several years of decline.

Ai Group director Peter Burn said other sectors of the construction industry were not offsetting the decline in mining investment.

"The mining investment boom is fading, as seen in the sharp fall in engineering construction activity and new orders and, even though there is an accumulation of positive signs, other sectors are not filling the void," he said.

"House building remains healthy and should gain greater traction if there is a reasonable conversion of strong building approvals into new activity."

View original post here:
Aussie building sector contracts again

San Francisco, CA (PRWEB) March 06, 2014

Clay Park Towers Apartments,(http://www.1890clayapts.com) a top Pacific Heights apartment complex in San Francisco located at 1890 Clay Street has announced the welcoming of their new Director of Residential Operations: Tina DiRienzo. Ms. DiRienzo joins the Trinity Management team with extensive experience in property management including renovation projects, marketing, and resident relations. She was most recently the recipient of the General Manager of the Year award from the San Francisco Apartment Association. She is coming off an extensive construction project and successful lease-up at the Pinnacle on Nob Hill. Her experience and professionalism will reinforce the already stellar residential satisfaction of this high-in-demand Pacific Heights luxury apartment building.

Our luxury high rise apartment complex in the Pacific Heights neighborhood of SF is one of the most desired properties to lease, and requires the best possible Residential Operations Management available, and we feel that Ms. DiRienzo is a perfect fit, explained William Harlow, marketing manager at Trinity Management Services. Our modern apartment rentals in this favorable location always have a long waiting list of people wanting to rent or lease the next available luxury apartment. Residential Operations Management is of the utmost importance to our continued growth and success in maintaining 100% capacity, and Ms. DiRienzos experience is exactly what we need to fulfill our commitment to accomplish these goals.

To learn more, please visit the apartment complex website at http://www.1890clayapts.com, where the interested party can browse Pacific Heights apartments for rent in a variety of floorplans, including studio, 1 and 2 bedroom apartments for rent.

About Pacific Heights Apartments for Rent in San Francisco

Pacific Heights is an affluent neighborhood of San Francisco, California. It is located in one of the most scenic and park-like settings in Northern California, offering panoramic views of the Golden Gate Bridge, the San Francisco Bay, the Palace of Fine Arts, Alcatraz and the Presidio. Its idyllic location provides a temperate micro-climate that is clearer, but not always warmer, than many other areas in San Francisco. Because of its affluence, Pacific Heights has many elite private schools. This includes San Francisco University High School; Drew School (formerly Drew College Preparatory School); The Hamlin School; Convent of the Sacred Heart High School; Stuart Hall High School and Town School for Boys, among others.

About Clay Park Tower Apartments

San Francisco luxury living is at its finest when renting an apartment at Clay Park Tower, located in the Pacific Heights District. Clay Park Tower offers studio, 1 and 2 bedroom apartments for rent or lease. Every modern convenience is at the renters disposal, with gorgeous hardwood floors, beautiful wood cabinets, stainless-steel appliances and black granite counters. Entertaining guests will be a true delight in this dream apartment rental.

The apartment also includes Comcast cable and internet services. With apartments near CPMC Medical Center and Lafayette Park, the views in San Francisco are abundant, and these amazing apartments offer views of the nearby Golden Gate Bridge, the San Francisco downtown skyline, SF bay and city panoramas, as well as Angel Island, Tiburon and Sausalito.

Renting an apartment in this Pacific Heights neighborhood brings all of San Francisco virtually at the renters doorstep. Every amenity of city life is just a short stroll away. Shop at Whole Foods Market. Spend the day in the restaurants, shops, theaters and night spots of Fillmore, Polk, and Union Streets. Rest and relax just a block away at San Franciscos hilltop jewel, Lafayette Park. Short term apartment leases are available as well as corporate suite leases.

Go here to read the rest:
Clay Park Towers Apartments, of Trinity Management, Announces New Residential Director in San Francisco

San Francisco, CA (PRWEB) March 07, 2014

Crystal Tower Apartments (http://www.2140taylorapts.com/) has announced the welcoming of their new Director of Residential Operations for their luxury top scale apartment building in the North Beach neighborhood of San Francisco: Tina DiRienzo. Ms. DiRienzo joins the Trinity Management team with extensive experience in property management including renovation projects, marketing, and resident relations. She was most recently the recipient of the General Manager of the Year award from the San Francisco Apartment Association. She is coming off an extensive construction project and successful lease-up at the Pinnacle on Nob Hill. Her knowledge and expertise will work seamlessly with the upscale apartment building located at 2140 Taylor Street near Russian Hill.

Our luxury high rise apartment complex near Russian Hill is very popular and sought out by people wanting to live in the North Beach neighborhood of San Francisco, explained William Harlow, marketing manager at Trinity Management Services. Our apartment rentals in this favorable location almost always have a waiting list for rentals to become available. Residential Operations management is of the utmost importance and Ms. DiRienzos experience and expertise is exactly what we need to fulfill our commitment to tenant satisfaction.

To learn more about Crystal Tower Apartments, please visit http://www.2140taylorapts.com where potential apartment seekers can browse inventory of available one and two bedroom apartments for rent in the North Beach District.

About Crystal Tower Apartments

The Crystal Tower Apartments are located between Lombard and Greenwich Street and offer 1 and 2 bedroom luxury apartment rentals. With spectacular views of the Golden Gate Bridge, and the San Francisco Bay from Russian Hill, renters are a short walk to North Beach's famous Italian dining and cafes, as well as Chinatown. Near the Financial District - Pier 39, Fisherman's Wharf, and Ghirardelli Square are just moments from these beautiful apartments.

Enjoy all the modern luxuries and amenities in these 1 and 2 bedroom apartment rentals, including a heated swimming pool. Furnished apartments are available for rent. Short term rentals are also available to accommodate corporate suite rental and leasing needs.

Crystal Tower Apartments Web. http://www.2140taylorapts.com Tel. (415) 885-0333

Original post:
Crystal Tower Apartments, a top North Beach Apartment Complex in San Francisco, Announces New Residential Operations ...

San Francisco, CA (PRWEB) March 06, 2014

350 Union Street Apartments,(http://www.350unionapts.com) has announced the welcoming of their new Director of Residential Operations for their luxury top scale apartment building in the Telegraph Hill district of San Francisco: Tina DiRienzo. Ms. DiRienzo joins the Trinity Management team with extensive experience in property management including renovation projects, marketing, and resident relations. She was most recently the recipient of the General Manager of the Year award from the San Francisco Apartment Association. She is coming off an extensive construction project and successful lease-up at the Pinnacle on Nob Hill. Her knowledge and expertise will work seamlessly with the upscale apartment building located at 350 Union Street on Telegraph Hill.

Our luxury apartment complex on Telegraph Hill is very popular and sought out by people wanting to live in San Francisco. It requires the best of the best in Residential Operations Management, and Ms. DiRienzo is San Franciscos best, explained William Harlow, marketing manager at Trinity Management Services. Our apartment rentals in this favorable location almost always have a waiting list for rentals to become available. Residential Operations Management is of the utmost importance and Ms. DiRienzos experience and expertise is exactly what we need to fulfill our commitment to tenant satisfaction.

To learn more, please visit the apartment complex website at http://www.350unionapts.com, where the interested party can browse Telegraph Hill apartments for rent in a variety of floorplans, including studio and 1 bedroom apartments for rent.

Telegraph Hill Apartments for Rent and Localization

Telegraph Hill is today primarily a residential area, much quieter than adjoining North Beach with its bustling cafs and nightlife. Aside from Coit Tower, it is well known for its gardens flowing down Filbert Street down to Levi Plaza. The Telegraph Hill of 2013 is known for supporting a flock of feral parrots, primarily Red-masked Parakeets, descended from escaped or released pets. The flock was popularized by a book and subsequent documentary, both titled The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill.

About the Apartments at 350 Union Street

Right in front of the famed Coit Tower in San Francisco lies beautiful, luxurious studio and 1 bedroom apartments for rent. The Apartments on Union Street are located on the edge of Telegraph Hill, near North Beach and Chinatown - two of San Francisco's most famous districts.

Live in complete luxury in these studio and 1 bedroom apartment rentals, with all the modern amenities, including a community sundeck.

Corporate suite rentals are also available, and the friendly staff is always available to help with rental and leasing needs. Renting an apartment in the heart of San Francisco makes public transportation an important necessity and the Apartments on Union Street are near public transportation - always close by and readily available.

Excerpt from:
350 Union Street Apartments, a Popular Telegraph Hill Apartment Complex in San Francisco, Announces New Residential ...

San Francisco, CA (PRWEB) March 06, 2014

Marina Cove Apartments (http://1550Bayapts.com/) located at 1550 Bay Street in San Francisco has announced the welcoming of their new Director of Residential Operations for their luxury top scale apartment building in the Marina district: Tina DiRienzo. Ms. DiRienzo joins the Trinity Management team with extensive experience in property management including renovation projects, marketing, and resident relations. She was most recently the recipient of the General Manager of the Year award from the San Francisco Apartment Association. She is coming off an extensive construction project and successful lease-up at the Pinnacle on Nob Hill. Her knowledge and expertise will work seamlessly with the upscale apartment building located at 1550 Bay Street.

"Our luxury apartment complex in the trendy Marina district of San Francisco requires the best of the best in managing Residential Operations, and Ms. DiRienzo is San Franciscos best," explained William Harlow, marketing manager at Trinity Management Services. "Our corporate rentals in this trendy, hip location are always in demand at Marina Cove Apartments. We needed to find the right match for the job, and we hit a bullseye with Ms. DiRienzo."

To learn more about Marina Cove Apartments, please visit http://www.1550bayapts.com where potential apartment seekers can browse inventory of available studio, one and two bedroom apartments for rent in the Marina District.

About Marina Cove Apartments

The Marina Cove Apartments are surrounded by many beautiful locations in San Francisco. Marina Cove offers studio, 1 and 2 bedroom apartments for rent or lease. Rent one of the complex's luxurious apartments and enjoy all its amenities including a heated pool for a refreshing swim and state-of-the-art fitness center.

A dream apartment is only one block from the San Francisco Bay, near Fort Mason; and is a short walk to all the great shops, boutiques and restaurants near the Marina District of San Francisco. While jogging on the Marina Green, apartment residents can see the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, the Marin Headlands, and the constant marine activity on the San Francisco Bay. the apartment seeker's a short walk from the beautiful Palace of Fine Arts and the fascinating Exploratorium. Cyclists and joggers have an easy ride or run to and across the Golden Gate Bridge.

Furnished apartments are available, and the complex also offers short term leases, and corporate suite leases or rentals. The complex's friendly and professional staff is always ready to help the apartment seeker.

Marina Cove Apartments Web.http://www.1550bayapts.com Tel. 415-474-0333

Read more from the original source:
Marina Cove Apartments, One of San Franciscos Most Popular Apartment Complexes in the Marina District, Announces New ...

Apartment building construction time lapse

By: oisiaa

Original post:
Apartment building construction time lapse - Video

Photo by Richard Gwin

File photo: Artist David Loewenstein's mural honoring black Kansans was unveiled Wednesday Sept. 17, 2007.

Before developers can start construction on a seven-story, downtown apartment building, city commissioners want them to deal with a more ground-level problem how to save a prominent mural on a building slated to be demolished by the project.

Commissioners directed a development group led by Lawrence businessmen Doug Compton and Mike Treanor to have discussions with interested members of the arts community about how a 2007 mural by noted Lawrence artist Dave Loewenstein can be saved near the northeast corner of Ninth and New Hampshire streets.

It really is an important piece of art for the entire state of Kansas, Susan Earle, curator at Kansas Universitys Spencer Museum of Art said of the piece, which is entitled Pollinators, and features seven black artists who have ties to Kansas.

The art museum commissioned the mural in 2007. Earle said the museum has had preliminary discussions with the development group about saving the approximately 20 by 80 foot mural.

The mural is on the northern wall of the former Black Hills Energy building at the northeast corner of Ninth and New Hampshire streets. The building could be torn down later this year to make way for a 114-unit apartment building.

Commissioners at their weekly meeting stopped short of saying they would require the mural to be saved before giving the project its final approval. But they said the issue was a serious one.

A discussion about the mural cant be put off, Mayor Mike Dever said. I want to see what it would take to move the wall or reproduce it, as a worst-case scenario.

Several mural supporters said they wanted to see if the wall could be left in its current location and incorporated into the design of the building.

Here is the original post:
City hears plea to save downtown mural from planned apartment project

The urban geography of the Sergeant Jasper apartment building has always been peculiar. The low-rent, high-rise apartment building is situated just north of Broad Street in the midst of millionaire homes, a small real estate miracle that has allowed students, tour guides, and F&B workers to live near the southern end of the peninsula, rubbing elbows with the lawyers, tycoons, and socialites South of Broad.

Now that the Sergeant Jasper's owners at the Beach Company have announced the building's impending demolition, some of the residents are wondering whether they'll be able to afford to rent again downtown. "Oh no, definitely not," says Ryan Camelon, a researcher at the Medical University of South Carolina who moved into the Sergeant Jasper from Boston just a month ago. "I think this is the nicest for the cheapest amount of money. Everything downtown's pretty expensive."

He's right. Most housing downtown is expensive (see p.14). And with the loss of the Sergeant Jasper's 221 reasonably priced units, the available stock of workforce housing just got that much smaller.

The Sergeant Jasper was named after a Revolutionary War hero, but it was never a place for old money. Up until the demolition was announced in mid-February, it was still possible to rent a studio there for $835 a month or split a two-bedroom apartment with a roommate for $585 apiece. Savannah Mooneyhan, another member of the final generation of renters, says most of the residents are students and downtown workers, plus a few older longtime residents and young families. She's determined to find another rental downtown, but she knows her options are limited. Residents are being evicted one floor at a time, starting at the top in mid-May and ending at the bottom in August.

"Even when you're looking on Craigslist, you're competing with 200 people at the same time, so I'm looking now," Mooneyhan says.

For Mooneyhan, who works at the downtown Irish bar Tommy Condon's and attends the College of Charleston, leaving the peninsula is a nonstarter. "Parking at CofC is terrible and expensive," Mooneyhan says. "I'm going to stay downtown. If I have to move to the other side of the Crosstown, I'll do that before I move off the peninsula."

Karen Bacot, director of marketing for the Beach Company, says the company has not yet decided what sort of residential development will go in the Sergeant Jasper's place, but the plan is to include some affordable housing. She says the company is still meeting with the Preservation Society and the Historic Charleston Foundation to discuss the next steps, and any plans will have to be vetted by the Board of Architectural Review and other city agencies.

Whatever gets built, it won't be as tall as the 16-story Sergeant Jasper. "No one wants to build that tall again us included," Bacot says. "Everybody has agreed on that one thing."

In the meantime, the Beach Company is organizing a mid-March housing fair for its current Sergeant Jasper tenants, inviting the company's competitors to come and offer reasonable downtown rental rates. Alternatively, the company is offering to let renters lock in their current rental rates if they move across the river to another Beach Company property, Mt. Pleasant's Riviera at Seaside.

"I think there's a lot of speculation and fear that things are going to change wildly, but that's an assumption that's been misguided," Bacot says. "We understand the workforce is important, and we're going to incorporate that in any plans."

See more here:
With Sergeant Jasper slated for demolition, downtown workforce housing is getting scarce

San Francisco, CA (PRWEB) March 05, 2014

1188 Mission at Trinity Place Apartments http://www.1188missionapts.com/ has announced the welcoming of their new Director of Residential Residential Operations for their luxury top scale apartment building in the SOMA district of San Francisco: Tina DiRienzo. Ms. DiRienzo joins the Trinity Management team with extensive experience in property management including renovation projects, marketing, and resident relations. She was most recently the recipient of the General Manager of the Year award from the San Francisco Apartment Association. She is coming off an extensive construction project and successful lease-up at the Pinnacle on Nob Hill. Her knowledge and expertise will work seamlessly with the upscale apartment building located at 1188 Mission Street.

Our luxury high rise apartment complex in the SOMA district of SF is high in demand and requires the best of the best in managing Residential Operations, and Ms. DiRienzo is San Franciscos best. explained William Harlow, marketing manager at Trinity Management Services. Our sheik, popular apartment rentals in this favorable location are almost always filled to capacity. Residential Operations management is of the utmost importance and Ms. DiRienzos experience and expertise is exactly what we need to fulfill our commitment to resident satisfaction.

To learn more about 188 Mission at Trinity Place, please visit http://www.1188missionapts.com/ where potential apartment seekers can browse inventory of available studio, and one-bedroom apartments for rent in the South of Market (SOMA) neighborhood.

SOMA (South of Market): One of San Franciscos Hottest Neighborhoods

SOMA has become one of the most exciting areas for apartment rentals and apartment living in San Francisco. Known for its tech crowd, the SOMA neighborhood has attracted residents working in the new Silicon Valley of the Bay Area, San Francisco, home to businesses such as Yelp, LinkedIn, and Twitter as well as commuters to the old Silicon Valley farther south for businesses like Google and other stalwarts of technology in the San Francisco Bay. SOMA brings together an urban flair for living with cafes, restaurants, and other urban attractions plus convenient transportation options such as close access to the 101 freeway, Interstate 80 corridor, and BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit). Apartment dwellers can enjoy urban living and yet easily commute (or escape) to the larger attractions of the San Francisco Bay Area.

About 1188 Mission at Trinity Place

One's dream apartment awaits apartment seekers. Rising with stunning views of downtown San Francisco South of Market, the all-new Trinity Place is as architecturally stunning as it is comfort-filled and convenient. These luxury apartments located in the SOMA District of San Francisco are more than just a building and an address. They are a community, with a fitness center, a residents lounge with Wi-Fi, childrens play area, front desk associates and 24-hour Courtesy Patrol.

These luxury apartments are a central starting point for getting anywhere in San Francisco with ease. The furnished studio and 1 bedroom apartments are near the Orpheum Theater, Moscone Center, the new Twitter Headquarters and AT&T Park home of the San Francisco Giants. Convenient to Muni or BART, head to work or a night on the town in San Francisco. At Trinity Place, apartment seekers can rent or lease one of the gorgeous studio or one bedroom apartments which include spacious tall ceilings and large windows for spectacular city views. The resident will enjoy preparing gourmet meals in apartment seekers modern kitchen with top-of-the-line appliances and black granite counters. Wood-style and ceramic tile flooring add to the beauty of apartment seekers apartment, where apartment seekers can be proud to entertain guests. Furnished apartments are also available to rent or lease. San Francisco corporate suites also available.

1188 Mission at Trinity Place Web. http://www.1188missionapts.com/ Tel. 415-864-3333

View post:
Top SOMA Apartment Complex in San Francisco, 1188 Mission at Trinity Place Apartments, Announces New Residential ...

Photo by Mike Yoder

A worker removes snow, one shovel at a time, from the surface of the planned multi-story hotel building, currently under construction at the southeast corner of Ninth and New Hampshire. Developers are asking city commissioners to restart the approval process for a seven-story apartment building at the northeast corner of the same intersection.

Soon, tall buildings are going to start growing at Ninth and New Hampshire streets like the grass grows in May.

Work on a five-story Marriott hotel under construction on the southeast corner is expected to move into a higher gear in the next month. And leaders of the same development group are asking city commissioners to restart the approval process for a seven-story apartment building at the northeast corner of the same intersection.

Youll start seeing things move a lot faster down there, said Micah Kimball, an architect with Lawrence-based Treanor Architects, which is designing both projects.

Construction on the 91-room Marriott TownePlace extended-stay hotel recently hit a milestone: It moved above ground. For months, crews have been working on the underground parking garage. But when the weather clears, they'll will pour concrete for the ground-floor lobby, Kimball said.

It is a lot smoother sailing once you are above ground, Kimball said.

Work on the hotel is moving along well enough that the development group, led by Lawrence businessman Doug Compton and architect Mike Treanor, is homing in on a start date for the 114-unit apartment building. Kimball said construction could start mid-year and last about 18 months. Work on the hotel is expected to last until late 2014.

City commissioners at their meeting on Tuesday will be asked to set an April 8 public hearing for a final vote on an incentives package for the apartment development. Commissioners gave preliminary approval to the package in the summer of 2012 as part of the incentives deal for the hotel development. The April 8 vote will finalize the details. They include:

The development group will receive up to $4.75 million in tax increment financing over 20 years. The money can be used to pay for the private underground parking garage and other infrastructure improvements. The money comes from new property taxes generated by the building.

More:
Seven-story apartment building in downtown Lawrence nears final vote